Quotes

Arteta feels squad's excitement for semi-final

Mikel Arteta and Eddie Howe before the game against Newcastle

Mikel Arteta believes that the cup fever usually generated around a semi-final has only intensified following last weekend’s sensational win against Manchester City.

We may be heading to Newcastle United with a two-goal deficit for our League Cup clash on Wednesday night, but having had a month-long gap between the two legs, much has changed for both teams heading into the rematch.

The Magpies’ nine wins in a row - a joint club record - is long gone now they’ve tasted losses against Bournemouth and Fulham in recent weeks, while we have strung four straight victories together to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League and record one of our greatest ever Premier League results on Sunday.

With all that in mind and momentum on our side, Mikel feels that his side are well-placed to try and make history and become just the second side in the competition’s history to come back from a two-goal first-leg deficit to make it to Wembley.

Reflecting on where his team are now compared to after the first leg, he said: “When you compare the emotional state of the team straight after the defeat and the manner that it happened and how we are, today is very different because we come from very strong performances, some great wins and especially the last one at home against Manchester City.

“Let’s keep this momentum and after the game, we'll have a break. It’s the moment to go full gas, ready to go for it and try to approach it in the way that we believe is the best one to be in that final.

“The next step is a final in Wembley so we know how big that is, and you can feel it straight away. The boost the game against City gave us, the manner that we won it, and the fact that it is a game in the competition where we are closest to a final, so we're going to give it a real go.”

We have lost both of our encounters against the Magpies this term, and they are looking to record three wins at our expense in the same season for the first time ever.

Given their current position of sixth in the table and their constant presence around the European places for the past couple of campaigns, Mikel feels they’re an awkward team for most to play against, but with a place in the final on the line this encounter could be very different to recent clashes.

“They are a very difficult team to play against and there have been different games. We beat them at home last year in a good way, and obviously this season has been different with two very different games as well.

“It’s another opportunity in front of us, a big one that can take us to Wembley so I’m really looking forward to it. I’m excited for sure. We’re lean, hungry and enthusiastic because we are very close to playing in a final and hopefully we can achieve it tomorrow.”